Africa Now (16-30 November, 2024)

OVERVIEW

Over the last two weeks, the African continent experienced dynamic changes with major developments occurring in political and economic spheres. The continent continues to witnessed instability with extremist rebel groups killed 13 people in Democratic Republic of Congo. Various political developments happened with opposition leader Abdirahman Cirro becoming the president of Somaliland while in Gabon, a new constitution was adopted after a successful referendum. In Namibia, 8th Presidential and National Assembly elections were held and in Mali, the new Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maiga was appointed by the junta.

The United Nations Security Council resolution to immediately cease the hostilities between the warring parties in Sudan was vetoed by Russia leading to an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the future of the ongoing crisis. A security and defence cooperation accord between France and Chad was ended while Nigeria entered into an infrastructure and Finance deal with France. A high-level visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Morocco was another key development.

The week witnessed the strengthening of India-Africa ties. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi visited Nigeria on 17th November, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 17 years. The Third India-Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in Goa was held to reinforce bilateral defence ties with the country. India and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) signed a Project Implementation Agreement to operationalize solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles while India has provided medical supplies to Zambia.

AFRICA

Gabonese Voters approve new Constitution

After a referendum, the Gabonese voters said yes to a new constitution by a landslide 98.1 percent voting in its favour. The new constitution, proposed by the country’s military rulers has several provisions such as setting a limit on the presidential term, abolition of the position of Prime Minister, making French the official working language and requiring the President to be exclusively Gabonese. This development is viewed by many as reflective of government’s commitment towards a democratic transition in 2025. Click here to read… [2]

Tunisian Economy witness Growth

In the third quarter of 2024, the Tunisian economy grew 1.8 percent year on year, according to the statistical institute of the country. This growth was mainly driven by the agricultural sector. In 2025, the economic growth is expected to reach 3.2 percent as compared to 2.1 percent in 2024. Click here to read… [3]

Opposition leader Cirro wins Somaliland presidential elections

On 19 November, 2024, the presidential elections resulted in the incumbent president, Muse Bihi Abdi ‘s defeat by the opposition leader Abdirahman Cirro who won 64 percent of the votes. He is expected to push for the breakaway region’s international recognition. The Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated him for his win and this gesture indicates that there could be some discussions and dialogues regarding Somaliland’s future. This is important because the region is strategically located, at the cusp of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, and any development in the region could affect these strategic trade routes. Click here to read… [4]

IS linked rebel group kills 13 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Mabisio village in North Kivu province of Democratic Republic of Congo, an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killed 13 people. They looted people, burned houses and kidnapped an unspecified number of civilians. The ADF is an extremist rebel group linked to the IS (Islamic State) and is among one of the most notorious groups operating in the Central African region. The area is fraught with instability with little success achieved by military and peacekeeping missions to contain violence in the region. Click here to read… [5]

8th Presidential and National Assembly Elections held in Namibia

Namibia held its 8th Presidential and National Assembly Elections on November 27, 2024, with power struggle between 15 presidential candidates and 21 political parties. The governing party, SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation) has been in in power since 1990 but faces stiff competition from other candidates. Other prominent presidential candidates are Bernadus Swartbooi of the Landless People’s Movement, and Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change. The democratic wave in the region, like the elections in Botswana and South Africa is likely to have an impact not only on the Namibian elections but alter the political landscape of the country too. Click here to read… [6]

Abdoulaye Maiga becomes Prime Minister of Mali

On November 21, Mali Junta appointed its spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga as the new Prime Minister. He came to power after the former Prime Minister, Choguel Maiga was fired for criticising the government for failing to hold elections in March 2024. His dismissal shows the frustrations and dissatisfactions of the politicians with the junta which came to power in 2020 and 2021 after back-to-back military coups. Click here to read… [7]

AFRICA AND WORLD

UN Security Council action on Sudan war vetoed by Russia

On November 18, the UNSC resolution to immediately cease the hostilities between the warring parties in Sudan was vetoed by Russia, a move which was supported by Sudanese foreign ministry. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Russia’s move, calling it an ‘enemy of peace.’ There is an urgent need for the major global players to come to a consensus for finding a resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Click here to read… [8]

Security and defence cooperation accord between Chad and France ends

Foreign Minister of Chad, Abderaman Koulamallah in an official statement said that a security and defence cooperation accord with France has been ended to assert its sovereignty. In an attempt to prioritise its national commitments and needs, the country will redefine its strategic partnerships. This move will lead to the exit of French soldiers from the country. However, Chad will continue to maintain constructive relations with France in areas of common interest, calling it an ‘essential partner’. Click here to read… [9]

Infrastructure and Finance Deals signed between Nigeria and France

Two agreements were signed between Nigeria and France on November 29, 2024 to boost infrastructure development and food security. The deal includes an investment of around 300 million Euro in Nigeria to support human capital development, healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, transportation and critical infrastructure. Zenith Bank and United Bank from Africa, the Nigerian lenders also expanded their operations in France. This move aims to enhance strategic partnership in areas of trade and investment between the two countries. Click here to read… [10]

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Morocco

On November 21, 2024, the Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Morocco where he met the Moroccan crown prince, Moulay El Hassan and the Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch. They discussed about the growing bonds of friendship and solidarity reflective in the increase in Chinese investments in Morocco especially in the area of electric vehicle (EV). This visit highlights China’s growing foothold in Africa through infrastructure and economic development. Click here to read… [11]

AFRICA AND INDIA

India and Tanzania deepen defence cooperation at Third JDCC Meeting

The Third India-Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in Goa reinforced bilateral defence ties through expanded training programs, service-to-service collaboration, and maritime security initiatives. Discussions included defence industry partnerships, focusing on technology transfer and joint ventures. The Tanzanian delegation, led by Maj Gen Fadhil Omary Nondo, visited Goa Shipyard, INS Hansa, and the National Institute of Hydrography to explore maritime infrastructure and hydrographic capabilities. Building on past achievements, the JDCC aligns with the India-Tanzania Strategic Partnership roadmap to enhance regional security in the Indian Ocean. This collaboration underscores mutual growth, regional stability, and modernized defence capacities for Tanzania. Click here to read… [12]

India and ISA partner to launch solar energy projects in Four Indo-Pacific nations

India and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) signed a Project Implementation Agreement to operationalize solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles. With $2 million in funding from India, the projects aim to address energy challenges in these nations, including unreliable electricity supply and agricultural perishability. Proposed initiatives include solarizing healthcare facilities, establishing cold storage, and water pumping systems. This agreement underscores India's commitment to clean energy, regional cooperation, and addressing climate change challenges. Click here to read… [13]

Anurag Srivastava appointed as India’s new High Commissioner to Mauritius

Anurag Srivastava, a seasoned Indian diplomat, has been appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Mauritius. He brings extensive experience to the role, having served in key diplomatic positions. This appointment reflects India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its strategic relationship with Mauritius, an important partner for the country in the Indian Ocean region. Click here to read… [14]

India dispatches medical aid to Zambia to strengthen healthcare system

India has provided medical supplies to Zambia, reinforcing their bilateral cooperation. The aid, including essential medicines and medical equipment, aims to strengthen Zambia’s healthcare system. This gesture underscores India’s ongoing commitment to supporting countries in need, particularly in the health sector. The delivery of these supplies is part of India’s broader strategy to foster international ties, especially in regions like Africa, and contribute to global health initiatives. Click here to read… [15]

Prime Minister of India visits Nigeria

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi visited Nigeria on 17th November, 2024. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 17 years. He was conferred with the second highest National award, the “Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger”. He along with the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu discussed various to enhance collaboration in areas of maritime security, defence, food security, healthcare and economic development. This historic visit will strengthen partnership between India and Nigeria, two countries which share a common goal of attaining global peace and security. Click here to read… [16]

$2.5 billion of Adani deal dropped by Kenya after US indictment

Following the US indictment of Gautam Adani on charges of fraud and bribery, Kenya cancelled over $2.5 billion worth of agreements with the of Adani Group. Kenyan President Ruto cancelled a massive airport project. Under the terms of the agreement, a second runway at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport was to be added along with upgrading the passenger terminal on a 30-year lease. Trade being the cornerstone of India -Kenya relationship and India being one of the top trading partners of Kenya, this development will likely impact the various sectors of economic cooperation between the two countries. Click here to read… [17]